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Editor’s Note: Due to the overwhelming amount of positive feedback from the September 2013 issue of In Compliance (pp. 42-48), a follow-up article with additional lab testing by the author was necessary to respond to an aerospace prime.

Thank you for your informative article on “Pin Holes & Staples Lead to Diminished Performance in Metallized Static Shielding Bags.” Have you considered what happens if there is an ESD discharge to the staple in a bag?

Outstanding question! If the reader will recall from last month’s article, initial lab testing was conducted by the author for Type III static shielding bags to ANSI/ESD STM11.31-2012. According to the ESD Association, “This standard test method provides a method for testing and determining the shielding capabilities of electrostatic shielding bags.”

I was visiting a customer recently and an interesting question was posed regarding ESD Analysis. What is the advantage to using the Prostat CVM-780 Contact Voltmeter as opposed to the Trek Model 347 DC-Stable Electrostatic Voltmeter?

These instruments have different technologies and are used in different ways. The Trek Model 347 instrument is a “Non-contact” bench top type requiring AC power, while the CVM-780 is a “Contact” battery operated portable measuring device, using rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. Read more…

One thing I get asked quite often; how do I set up my Prostat PRS-801 or PRS-812 Resistance Meter for low resistance range calibration? In order to setup your Prostat resistance meter for Low Resistance Range (<10 Ohms) calibration, follow the steps below: Read more…

As early as 1985, the author recalls re-occurring discussions of the effects of puncture holes from component leads and stapling of static shielding bags.

In July 2013, the ESD Experts page on LinkedIn® started a discussion by a USA computer manufacturing company that generated participation from end users, suppliers and consultants both here and abroad. In years past, some held opinions that pin holes do not greatly affect static shielding of metallized bags. There is, however, minimal published data to fall back upon regarding this subject matter. Read more…